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46-Range Digital Multimeterwith PC Interface

2 Contents

ContentsFeatures ........................................................................................................... 4

Meter Features .......................................................................................... 4Software Features ...................................................................................... 5System Requirements ................................................................................ 5A Word About Safety .................................................................................. 6Special Panel Markings .............................................................................. 7

Specifications .................................................................................................. 8

A Quick Look at Your Meter ......................................................................... 11

Preparation .................................................................................................... 13Installing a Battery .................................................................................... 13Connecting the Test Leads ...................................................................... 13Using the Stand ....................................................................................... 14Using the Rubber Boot ............................................................................. 14

Using the Meter ............................................................................................. 14Turning the Meter On/Off/Testing the Display .......................................... 14Before You Start ...................................................................................... 15Holding a Measurement ........................................................................... 17Using Relative Measurement ................................................................... 17Automatic Power Off ................................................................................ 18

Using Power Lock ............................................................................. 18Using Monitor ........................................................................................... 18

Making Measurements .................................................................................. 19Measuring DC Voltage ............................................................................. 19Displaying Temperature ........................................................................... 20Measuring AC Voltage ............................................................................. 20

Measuring AC Voltage Riding on a DC Source Bias ........................ 21Measuring Three-Phase AC Voltage ................................................ 21

Measuring DC/AC Current ....................................................................... 22Measuring Resistance .............................................................................. 23Measuring Capacitance ........................................................................... 24Checking Continuity ................................................................................. 25Checking Diodes ...................................................................................... 25

Checking Diode Polarity .................................................................... 26Measuring Logic ....................................................................................... 26

© 2001 RadioShack Corporation.All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

3Contents

Measuring Frequency/Duty Cycle/Pulse Width ........................................ 26Measuring AC Voltage Frequency ..................................................... 27Measuring AC Current Frequency ..................................................... 28

Measuring hFE ......................................................................................... 28

Using the Meter With a Computer ................................................................ 28Installing the Meter’s Software/Hardware ................................................. 29Configuring/Using the Meter and Software ............................................... 30

Care and Maintenance ................................................................................... 30Cleaning ................................................................................................... 30Replacing the Fuses ................................................................................. 31

4 Features

FeaturesYour RadioShack 46-Range DigitalMultimeter is a portable, compact,auto-ranging, digital multimeter. It isideally suited for field, lab, shop, andhome applications. The multimeterprovides precise measurements andis built to provide the highest possiblereliability. The meter measures volt-age up to 1000V DC and 750V AC,DC and AC current up to 10A, resis-tance up to 40MΩ, capacitance from0.5nF to 40µF, and frequency from10Hz to 4MHz. Its 33/4-digit digitaldisplay can display up to 4,000 units.

Important:

• Completely read this manualbefore you use this meter.

• If you are not familiar with metersand testing procedures, we sug-gest you read Using Your Meter(Cat. No. 62-2039, not supplied)before you use this meter.

METER FEATURESAuto-Ranging with Manual-RangingOverride — automatically selects arange when you measure voltage,current, resistance, capacitance, andfrequency. You can also manually setthe range when measuring valuesyou know are within a certain range.

Computer Interface with SuppliedSoftware — you can connect themeter to your computer and use the

supplied software to log and graphmeasurements.

Diode Check Function — safelychecks semiconductor junctions foropen, short, or normal.

hFE Check Function — measuresthe gain (hFE) of small-signal, bipolartransistors.

Logic Function — you can use themeter to test HI and LO logic levels.

Auto-Polarity Operation — protectsyour meter and gives valid measure-ments when you connect the leads inreverse polarity.

Data Hold Function — holds the dis-played value, so you can see thereading even after you disconnect theprobes.

Low Battery Indicator — showswhen you need to replace the battery.

Auto Power Off — the meter turnsitself off after about 30 minutes if youdo not change any setting, helpingconserve battery power.

Note: The meter does not turn itselfoff if you set it to use with a computer.See “Using the Meter With a Comput-er” on Page 28.

High-Speed Sampling — ensuresquick, reliable measurements.

Protective Rubber Boot — protectsthe meter from damage.

5Features

UL Listed — your meter has passedthe stringent safety tests required byUnderwriters Laboratories.

Note: The UL mark does not indicatethat this product has been evaluatedby Underwriters Laboratories for theaccuracy of its readings.

Latest IC and Display Technology— ensures reliability, accuracy, stabil-ity, and ease of operation.

Overload and Transient Protection— helps protect the meter from acci-dental overload in most ranges.

Volts or dBm Voltage Display —lets you select the unit measurementthat suits your application.

MAX/MIN Monitor Function — letsyou easily monitor maximum andminimum value.

Note: Your multimeter requires one9V battery (not supplied).

SOFTWARE FEATURESLarge Display — the informationshown on your computer’s monitor isupdated 4 times per second, virtuallymatching what appears on yourmeter’s display.

Analog Meter — lets you easily seetrends in monitored data.

Automatic Data Logging — the soft-ware works with your meter and com-puter to select the correct samplingrate for your application, then capture

and store data. The software logs thetime for each reading, helping youkeep track of each sample. You canalso save logged data in your harddrive for future reference.

Sampling Rate Selection — by de-fault, the meter takes a sample onceevery second. To save memoryspace if you want to take a sampleover a long period, use the pull downmenu to reduce the sampling rate.

Digital Oscilloscope — plots yourdata reading at the same rate as yoursampling rate selection. You can usethe scope to monitor changes in thedata over time. The cursor functionhelps you to easily measure the dif-ference in amplitude or time betweentwo samples.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSYou can use your meter either with orwithout a computer. Before connect-ing the meter to your computer, besure it is an IBM PC with a Pentium133 MHz processor or compatible,running Windows 95, Windows 98,Windows ME, or Windows 2000, withall of the following:

• VGA or SVGA video adapter

• at least 32 MB RAM

• Microsoft-compatible mouse

Note: You cannot use the meter withMicrosoft Windows 3.1.

6 Features

A WORD ABOUT SAFETYWe have taken every precaution indesigning this meter to ensure that itis as safe as we can make it. But safeoperation depends on you, the opera-tor. We recommend that you followthese simple safety rules:

• Never apply voltages to themeter that exceed the limitsgiven in the specifications. Neverapply more than 1000V DC or750V RMS AC between the inputjacks and ground.

• Use extreme caution when work-ing with voltages above 100V.Always disconnect power fromthe circuit you are measuringbefore you connect test leads tohigh-voltage points.

• Never connect the test leads to avoltage source when you set themeter’s function selector to/, , LOGIC/Hz, / µµµµA/A ,or / mA/A .

• Always discharge any capacitorsof the circuit under test beforeyou attach test leads.

• Always turn off power and dis-connect the test leads from thecircuit you are testing before youreplace the meter’s battery orfuse.

• Never operate the meter unlessits back cover and battery coverare in place and fully closed.

• This equipment is rated for instal-lation category II (maximum3600VA).

• Because many AC/DC sets havea potentially hot chassis, be surethe top of your workbench andthe floor underneath it are madeof non-conductive materials.

This meter is fully calibrated and test-ed. Under normal use, no further ad-justment should be necessary exceptas noted in this Owner’s Manual. Ifthe meter requires repair, do not try toadjust it yourself. Take it to your localRadioShack store.

WARNINGS:

• USE EXTREME CAUTION INTHE USE OF THIS DEVICE.IMPROPER USE OF THISDEVICE CAN RESULT ININJURY OR DEATH. FOLLOWALL SAFEGUARDS SUG-GESTED IN THIS OWNER’SMANUAL, IN ADDITION TONORMAL SAFETY PRECAU-TIONS, IN DEALING WITHELECTRICAL CIRCUITS. DONOT USE THIS DEVICE IF YOUARE UNFAMILIAR WITH ELEC-TRICAL CIRCUITS AND TEST-ING PROCEDURES.

• NEVER TRY TO PROBE WITHBOTH TEST LEADS AT THESAME TIME OR HOLD BOTHTEST LEADS IN ONE HAND.

• USE EXTREME CARE WHILEUSING THE METER TO MEA-

7Features

SURE CURRENT AND VOLT-AGE IN COMMERCIALELECTRICAL PANELS.UNLIKE A HOME AC OUTLET,A COMMERCIAL ELECTRI-CAL PANEL HAS TREMEN-DOUS CURRENT SURGEPOTENTIAL. THIS IS ESPE-CIALLY TRUE FOR THREE-PHASE INDUSTRIAL ELECTRI-CAL PANELS. A SMALLSPARK FROM ONE OF THESEPANELS CAN CAUSE APLASMA EXPLOSION ANDFIRE THAT CAN SEVERELYBURN YOU. DO NOT HOLDTHE METER WHILE USING IT.

• ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVELEATHER GLOVES, A FACESHIELD, AND FIREPROOFARM AND UPPER BODY PRO-TECTION WHILE USING THEMETER TO MEASURE CUR-RENT AND VOLTAGE IN COM-MERCIAL ELECTRICALPANELS.

• IF THIS EQUIPMENT IS USEDIN A MANNER NOT SPECIFIEDBY THE MANUFACTURER,THE PROTECTION PROVIDEDBY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BEIMPAIRED.

• TO REDUCE THE RISK OFFIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DONOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCTTO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

• FOR INDOOR USE ONLY.

SPECIAL PANEL MARKINGS

For your safety, we have added spe-cial markings to the meter’s panel toremind you of the measurement limi-tations.

The maximum voltage that this meter can measure is 1000V DC or 750V AC. The maximum current that this ter-minal can measure is 400mA DC and AC.

Caution : Be extremely care-ful when making high-voltage measurements; DO NOT TOUCH TERMINALS OR PROBE ENDS.

Caution : Risk of electric shock! Refer to the complete operating instructions.

The meter is protected by double insulation.

CAT IIThis equipment is rated for INSTALLATION CATEGORY II (3600VA max.).

To avoid electrical shock or instrument damage, do not connect the common input terminal (– COM jack) to any source that exceeds 500 volts with respect to earth/ground.

+10A MAXFUSED

The maximum current you can measure at this jack is 10 amps DC/AC. This jack is fuse-protected.

WARNING:ShockHazard if guard not installed.

The sliding guard on the front of the meter protects against electrical shock. Do not remove the guard.

!

8 Specifications

Specifications(Accuracies at 73.4°F (23°C) ±5°, <75% RH)

DC VOLTS (Maximum Measurement:1000V)

400mV ...................... ± 0.3% of Reading,± 4 in Last Digit

4V to 40V .................. ± 0.3% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

400V ......................... ± 0.5% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

1000V ....................... ± 0.5% of Reading,± 4 in Last Digit

AC VOLTS (Maximum Measurement:750Vrms at 50/60 Hz, Average Responds,RMS Calibrated, AC Coupled)

400mV ....................... ± 0.5% of Reading,± 4 in Last Digit

4V to 40V .................. ± 0.5% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

400V ........................ ± 0.6 % of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

750V ......................... ± 0.8% of Reading,± 4 in Last Digit

dBm Accuracy (20.0mV to 750Vrmsat 50/60 Hz): .............................± 0.3dBm,

± 2 in Last Digit

DC CURRENT (Maximum Measurement:10A)

400µA ....................... ± 0.8% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

4mA .......................... ± 0.6% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

40mA ........................ ± 0.8% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

400mA ...................... ± 0.6% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

4A ............................. ± 0.8% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

10A ........................... ± 1.0% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

AC CURRENT (Average Responds, RMSCalibrated, 10A Maximum, DC Coupled)

400µA ....................... ± 1.0% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

4mA .......................... ± 0.8% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

40mA ........................ ± 1.0% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

400mA ...................... ± 0.8% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

4A ............................. ± 1.0% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

10A ........................... ± 1.2% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

RESISTANCE

400Ω ......................... ± 0.4% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

4kΩ – 40kΩ– 400kΩ ± 0.3% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

4.0MΩ ........................ ± 0.6% of Reading,± 3 in Last Digit

40MΩ ........................ ± 1.5% of Reading,± 5 in Last Digit

CAPACITANCE

4nF ............................ ± 3.0% of Reading,± 40 in Last Digits

40nF .......................... ± 3.0% of Reading,± 10 in Last Digits

400nF – 4µF – 40µF ................ ± 2.0% ofReading, ± 4 in Last Digit

9Specifications

Note: Accuracy with film capacitor or bet-ter, specified from 9.5% of full scale to fullscale except 4.0nF range from 0.5nF tofull scale.

PULSE WIDTHS (Frequency Range: 10Hz to100kHz)

1µS to 90mS (at +5/–0V square wave):

± 5% of Reading,±2 in Last Digit

K-TEMPERATURE MODE

This is a special voltage mode, to beused with an optional thermocouplemodule that can be attached to themeter. This mode automatically con-verts the 1mV per °C or °F voltageinto a readout that appears as a tem-perature. In these modes, the unit canshow up to ± 999°C or °F.

The accuracy of these modes is de-termined by the external device andthe accuracy of the DC volt mode.The temperature range of the newer1mV per degree C probes are gen-erally between –50°C and 1000°C.

FREQUENCY (with function selector set toLOGIC/Hz)

400Hz – 4k–40k–400kHz–4MHz:

± 0.1% of Reading, ± 4 in Last Digit

Sensitivity (10 Hz – 4 MHz)

400Hz–4k–40kHz .................... 50 mVrms

400kHz .................................. 100 mVrms

4MHz ..................................... 250 mVrms

(AC voltage frequency, with function selectorset to °°°°C/°°°°F / V and maximum measuringfrequency 1 kHz for signal above 40V)

10Hz to 1 kHz .......................... 70 mVrms

1kHz to 10 kHz ...................... 400 mVrms

(AC voltage frequency, with function selectorset to dBm / ~ V and maximum measuringfrequency 1 kHz for signal above 40V)

10 Hz to 200 Hz .................... 300 mVrms

200 Hz to 1 kHz ........................ 0.4 Vrms

1 kHz to 10 kHz ........................... 4 Vrms

(AC current frequency)

400µA/4mA ................... 10 Hz to 30 kHz:250µArms

40mA/400mA ................ 10 Hz to 30 kHz:25mArms

4A/10A .......................... 10 Hz to 10 kHz:2.5Arms

DUTY CYCLE (Frequency Range: 10 Hz to100 kHz)

10% – 90% (at +5V/-0V Square wave)± 2 digits/kHz, ± 2 in last digit

Note: Duty cycle accuracy depends on inputsignal frequency.

DIODE MODE

Open Circuit Voltage ................. < 2.8Vdc

Test Current ........................ 1 mA Typical

LOGIC MODE

Min. High-Level Voltage: ....... 2.0V ± 0.2V

Max. Low-Level Voltage: ....... 1.0V ± 0.2V

CONTINUITY BEEPER

Continuity (short) ........... ≤ 50 ± 30 Ohms

Open .............................. > 50 ± 30 Ohms

Open Circuit ............................ < 2.8 Volts

Short Circuit Current ................. < 2.0 mA

Beeper Volume (at 5cm) ......... 65dB Min.(audio scale)

GENERAL

Maximum CommonMode Voltage .......... 500VDC or RMS AC

10 Specifications

Battery Life at 30 minutesuse per day ...... About 200 days, Alkaline

Sleep Mode Timing ........ 30 ± 10 Minutes

Range Up Detect Value ............. Overflow(>4000 Counts)

Range Down Detect Value .... 380 Counts

Low Battery Indication ......... 6.3V ± 0.3 V

Sleep Mode Current ......... 10 µA Normal,20µA Max.

Input Impedance ..... DCV/ACV: 10Mohm

Power Source .................. One 9V battery(not supplied)

Operating Temperature ..... 41°F to 104°F(5°C to + 40°C)

Storage Temperature ........ – 4°F to 140°F(– 20°C to + 60°C)

Humidity:Maximum Relative Humidity 80%

for temperatures up to 87°F (31°C),decreasing linearity to 50% relative

humidity at 104°F (40°C)

Dimensions (HWD):7 × 37/16 × 111/16 Inches

(178 mm × 88 mm × 43 mm)

Weight ............... Approx 10.44 oz (296 g)

Accessories ............. Fuse F500mA/250VFuse F12A/250V

2 shrouded test leads red/blackRubber boot, RS-232C cable, CD-ROM

Specifications are typical; individual unitsmight vary. Specifications are subject tochange and improvement without notice.

11A Quick Look at Your Meter

A Quick Look at Your Meter

— mea-sures ohms andcapacitance.

/ —checkscontinuityand diodes.

/ mA/A —measurescurrent.

/ µµµµA/A —measurescurrent.

Guard

WARNING:THE GUARDPROTECTSAGAINST ELEC-TRIC SHOCK.DO NOTREMOVE IT.

hFE — lets youmeasure the gainof small-signal,bipolar transistors.

LOGIC/Hz — mea-sures frequencyand logic.

12 A Quick Look at Your Meter

°°°°C/°°°°F / V —displaystemperature andmeasuresDC volts.

OFF — turns the meter off.

MAX/MIN — letsyou store maxi-mum and mini-mum readings.

Hz/DUTY/WIDTH— measuresfrequency, dutycycle, and pulsewidth.

REL — lets youwork with relativemeasurements.

RANGE — se-lects auto ormanual rang-ing.

SELECT — selects options.

HOLD — holdsa measurementvalue.

dBm / ~ V — selects AC voltage measurement in dBm or volts.

hFE Socket — letsyou insert a tran-sistor so you cancheck its gain.

13Preparation

Preparation

INSTALLING A BATTERY

Your meter requires one 9-volt bat-tery (not supplied) for power. For thebest performance and longest life, werecommend a RadioShack alkalinebattery.

WARNINGS:

• To avoid electrical shock, discon-nect all of the meter’s test leadsfrom any equipment before youinstall or replace the meter’s bat-tery.

• Do not use your meter until thebattery is properly installed andthe battery cover is in place andsecured.

Caution: Use only a fresh battery ofthe required size and recommendedtype.

1. If the rubber boot is attached tothe meter, simply pull it off toremove it (see “Using the RubberBoot” on Page 14).

2. If the meter is on, rotate the func-tion selector to OFF to turn it off.Then disconnect the test leads ifthey are connected.

3. Use a Phillips screwdriver toloosen the battery cover’s screw,then lift off the battery cover.

4. Snap a fresh 9V battery onto theterminals of the battery clip in thebattery compartment.

5. Replace the battery cover andsecure it with the screw.

When ~ appears on the left side ofthe display or the meter stops operat-ing properly, replace the battery.

Warning: Dispose of an old batterypromptly and properly. Do not burn orbury it.

Caution: If you do not plan to use themeter for a month or more, removethe battery. Batteries can leak chemi-cals that can destroy electronic parts.

CONNECTING THE TEST LEADS

The test leads (black and red) sup-plied with your meter are rated for1000 volts. Use only test leads of thesame rating with the meter. You canorder replacement leads from your lo-cal RadioShack store.

WARNING: ALTHOUGH THE TESTLEADS ARE RATED FOR 1000VOLTS, THE MAXIMUM RATING OFTHIS METER IS 1000 VOLTS DC/750 VOLTS RMS AC. DO NOT TRYTO MEASURE VOLTAGE GREATERTHAN 1000 VOLTS DC/750 VOLTSRMS AC.

14 Using the Meter

If necessary, slide up the guard onthe front of the meter. Plug the blacktest lead’s right-angled end into –COM(common) on the front of the meter,then plug the red test lead’s right-angled end into + V.mA. ΩΩΩΩ. If you wantto measure current higher than400mA, plug the red test lead’sright-angled end i n to +10A MAXi ns tead o f + V.mA. ΩΩΩΩ.

Note: The meter sounds a warningtone when you set it to measure any-thing except current and you connecta test lead to +10A MAX . This remindsyou not to touch the circuit with thetest leads.

USING THE STANDThe stand on the back of the meterlets you place it upright on a flat sur-face for easier viewing. To use thestand, simply fold it out.

USING THE RUBBER BOOTThe rubber boot supplied with themeter helps protect the meter fromdamage. The keyhole on the back ofthe rubber boot lets you hang themeter on a wall.

Simply slide the meter onto the boot,or pull down on the bottom of the bootto remove it from the meter. Use theclips on the back of the rubber boot tostore the test leads while you are notusing them.

Using the MeterCaution: When the meter is not inuse, always leave the function selec-tor set to OFF.

For the most accurate reading, thetemperature should be between 65°and 83°F (18° and 28°C), with a max-imum of 75% relative humidity.

TURNING THE METER ON/OFF/TESTING THE DISPLAYTo turn on the meter, rotate the func-tion selector to any function exceptOFF. To turn off the meter, rotate thefunction selector to OFF.

Note: If the function selector is notset to OFF and nothing appears onthe display, the meter might be in itsauto power shut-off mode. Press anybutton to turn on the meter. If themeter remains off, rotate the functionselector to OFF, then to any functionexcept OFF. If the meter still remainsoff, replace the battery (see “Installinga Battery” on Page 13).

To test the meter’s display, turn offthe meter, then hold down HOLDwhile turning on the meter. The meterturns on and all segments on the dis-play appear. Release HOLD to turn offthe test.

15Using the Meter

BEFORE YOU START

Follow these steps to familiarize your-self with the meter’s operation beforeyou use it for the first time.

Warning: Always turn off power tothe circuit you are about to measurebefore you probe the test leads intohigh-voltage points.

Caution: Be sure to select the correctfunction before you touch the testleads to the circuit or component tobe tested.

1. Rotate the function selector toselect one of the following func-tions, then repeatedly pressSELECT to select the functionyou want.

For example, to measure adiode, rotate the function selectorto /, then press SELECT. appears.

2. Your meter automatically entersthe auto range mode when youturn on the meter. In the autorange mode, appears andthe meter automatically selectsthe next higher or lower range (ifavailable) when the measure-ment causes the display to over-flow (the meter tries to display4001 or more units) or underflow(the meter tries to display 379 orfewer units).

Position Description

°°°°C/°°°°F / V

• Displaystemperature(°C or °F).

• Measures DCvoltage.

dBm /~ V

• Measures ACvoltage in dBm.

• Measures ACvoltage in volts.

/ µµµµA/A • Measures current, DC 0.4/4 mAand AC 0.4/4 mA

• Measures current,DC 4/10 A andAC 4/10 A

/ mA/A • Measures current,DC 40/400 mAand AC 40/400 mA

• Measures current,DC 4/10 Aand AC 4/10 A

• Measures ohms.

• Measurescapacitance.

/ • Checks continuity.

• Checks diodes.

LOGIC/Hz

• Measures logic(HI/LO).

• Measures frequency.hFE Measures the gain of

small-signal bipolar tran-sistors (using the hFEjack on the front of themeter).

Position Description

AUTO

16 Using the Meter

3. To select manual range mode,press RANGE. disap-pears. Then repeatedly pressRANGE until the range you wantappears. The decimal point shiftseach time you press RANGE.

4. Hold down RANGE for about 2seconds. The meter exits manualrange mode and returns to itsauto range mode.

5. To select the temperature rangeyou want to display (°C or °F),rotate the function selector to°°°°C/°°°°F / V, press SELECT once,then repeatedly press RANGEuntil 9999 or <<<< appears.

6. Set the meter to the differentmeasurement ranges. The unit ofmeasure that appears on the dis-play shows you the currently setrange. For example, cLcLcLcL appearsin the 400 mV range. Also, notethe position of the decimal. Forexample, if &$&&&ýL&$&&&ýL&$&&&ýL&$&&&ýL appears, themeter is set to measure less than4 volts. If &&&&L&&&&L&&&&L&&&&L appears, themeter is set to measure up to1000 volts.

Read the range in volts, ohms,capacitance, or amps as indi-cated by the position of the deci-mal point.

Note: The display might show aphantom reading in some DCand AC voltage ranges when thetest leads are not connected to acircuit. This is normal. The highinput sensitivity produces a “wan-dering” effect. When you connectthe test leads to a circuit, themeasurement appears.

7. Connect the test leads to the cir-cuit you want to measure. Tomeasure different circuits, see

Range Display

400 mV ZZZ$ZýcLZZZ$ZýcLZZZ$ZýcLZZZ$ZýcL

4 V Z$ZZZýLZ$ZZZýLZ$ZZZýLZ$ZZZýL

40 V ZZ$ZZýLZZ$ZZýLZZ$ZZýLZZ$ZZýL

AUTO

400 V ZZZ$ZýLZZZ$ZýLZZZ$ZýLZZZ$ZýL

1000 V DC/750 V AC ZZZZýLZZZZýLZZZZýLZZZZýL

400 µA ZZZ$ZýZZZ$ZýZZZ$ZýZZZ$Zýµµµµ7777

4 mA Z$ZZZýc7Z$ZZZýc7Z$ZZZýc7Z$ZZZýc7

40 mA ZZ$ZZýc7ZZ$ZZýc7ZZ$ZZýc7ZZ$ZZýc7

400 mA ZZZ$Zýc7ZZZ$Zýc7ZZZ$Zýc7ZZZ$Zýc7

4 A Z$ZZZý7Z$ZZZý7Z$ZZZý7Z$ZZZý7

10 A ZZ$ZZý7ZZ$ZZý7ZZ$ZZý7ZZ$ZZý7

400 Ω ZZZ$ZýZZZ$ZýZZZ$ZýZZZ$ZýΩΩΩΩ

4 kΩ Z$ZZZýaZ$ZZZýaZ$ZZZýaZ$ZZZýaΩΩΩΩ

40 kΩ ZZ$ZZýaZZ$ZZýaZZ$ZZýaZZ$ZZýaΩΩΩΩ

400 kΩ ZZZ$ZýaZZZ$ZýaZZZ$ZýaZZZ$ZýaΩΩΩΩ

4 MΩ Z$ZZZýCZ$ZZZýCZ$ZZZýCZ$ZZZýCΩΩΩΩ

40 MΩ ZZ$ZZýCZZ$ZZýCZZ$ZZýCZZ$ZZýCΩΩΩΩ

4 nF Z$ZZZýd<Z$ZZZýd<Z$ZZZýd<Z$ZZZýd<

40 nF ZZ$ZZýd<ZZ$ZZýd<ZZ$ZZýd<ZZ$ZZýd<

400 nF ZZZ$Zýd<ZZZ$Zýd<ZZZ$Zýd<ZZZ$Zýd<

4 µF Z$ZZZýZ$ZZZýZ$ZZZýZ$ZZZýµµµµ<<<<

40 µF ZZ$ZZýZZ$ZZýZZ$ZZýZZ$ZZýµµµµ<<<<

Range Display

17Using the Meter

“Making Measurements” onPage 19.

Caution: If EEEEý <ý <ý <ý < (overflow) appears,the value you are measuring exceedsthe range for the setting you selected.This is normal when you measure re-sistance or a diode, or do not havethe leads connected to a component.If you are measuring voltage or cur-rent when EEEEý<ý<ý<ý< appears, however, im-mediately disconnect both probesfrom the circuit, then touch the probestogether or choose another range.

HOLDING A MEASUREMENT

Press HOLD to hold all indications onthe display. Hold appears and themeter holds the measured value onthe display even if you remove theprobes from the circuit.

To cancel hold, press HOLD again orset the selector to another setting orpress SELECT. Hold disappears.

USING RELATIVE MEASUREMENT

You can set the meter to have it notshow an unwanted value that mightappear as a result of internal or otherfactors. For example, the meter al-ways shows a small value when youset the selector to to measurecapacitance, even when you have notconnected the test leads to a compo-nent. (This happens because themeter measures its own internal ca-pacitance, which is normal). If you set

the meter in relative mode with thesmall value as reference, it does notdisplay this value when you measurea component.

You can also set the meter to a base-line reference value. For example, ifyou are measuring a power sourcethat is supposed to be exactly 5 voltsAC or DC, you can set the meter to abaseline reference value of 5 volts.Then, the meter displays the amountof voltage above or below 5 volts thatthe power source actually emits.

1. Set the meter to any funct ionexcept °°°°C/ °°°°F, dBm , , ,LOGIC, or hFE.

2. Measure the zero offset (discon-nect test leads for capacitance,or touch the test leads togetherfor other functions) if you want toremove the zero offset from areading, or connect the test leadsto the component whose mea-surement you want to use as areference value.

3. While measuring the zero offsetor with the test leads connectedto a component, hold downREL. Rel appears. The meteris set to manual range mode.

4. Use the meter to make a mea-surement.

Notes:

• If the reference value you mea-sured in Step 2 is greater thanthe value of the measurementyou made in Step 4, the meter

18 Using the Meter

shows a negative value. This isnot a malfunction.

• EEEEý<ý <ý <ý < appears if you measure val-ues outside the meter’s currentlyset range. If EEEEý<ý<ý<ý< appears, immedi-ately disconnect both probesfrom the circuit, then touch theprobes together or chooseanother range.

• The meter displays valuesgreater than 4000 counts as longas the range used is not an over-flow range. (A count is the small-est unit of measure that themeter can measure). For exam-ple, if you store –3.500 volts as areference, then measure +3.500volts, the meter displays 7.000volts.

• You can not set EEEEý <ý <ý <ý < as a refer-ence value.

To reset a relative measurement,press REL again or set the functionselector to another setting.

AUTOMATIC POWER OFF

Your meter conserves power by auto-matically turning off about 30 minutesafter the last time you changed a set-ting (even if you are making measure-ments).

Note: The meter does not automati-cally turn off while appears onthe display (see “Configuring/Usingthe Meter and Software” on Page 30)or if you turn off automatic power off(see “Using Power Lock”).

To turn the meter back on after it au-tomatically turns off, press any but-ton.

Using Power Lock

To set the meter so it does not turn offautomatically, set the function selec-tor to OFF to turn it off. Hold downHOLD and SELECT at the same time,then turn on the meter. FBeYFBeYFBeYFBeY appearsuntil you release HOLD and SELECT.The meter sets itself to its normal testmode and does not automatically turnitself off.

Note: The meter automatically sets it-self to its power lock mode while youuse it to monitor (see “Using Monitor”on ).

To reset the meter so it automaticallyturns itself off, turn off the meter thenturn it back on. The meter automati-cally turns itself off after about 30minutes.

USING MONITORYou can use the meter to monitormaximum and minimum readings in acircuit, saving both readings for you tocheck.

As the meter monitors, it displays theminimum or maximum value it mea-sured and stores those values. If themeter measures a value higher thanthe stored maximum value or lowerthan the stored minimum value, it up-dates the value it stored with the newvalue.

RS232

19Making Measurements

Note: The meter automatically sets it-self to manual mode when you use itto monitor.

1. Set the meter to any funct ionexcept °°°°C/ °°°°F, dBm , , ,LOGIC, or hFE.

2. Connect the test leads to the cir-cuit you want to measure. Tomeasure different circuits, see“Making Measurements” on.

3. Press RANGE. disap-pears. Then repeatedly pressRANGE until the range you wantappears.

4. Press MAX/MIN until CWnCWnCWnCWn appearson the left side of the display (toset the meter to record the maxi-mum and minimum values).

Then repeatedly press MAX/MINto read the currently selectedmaximum value (if CWnCWnCWnCWn appears)or the currently selected mini-mum value (if C_dC_dC_dC_d appears).

5. To pause monitoring, pressHOLD . Hold appears. To continuemonitoring, press HOLD again.Hold disappears.

Note: When the meter is set to itsvoltage or current function and the in-put is out of the setting’s range, Eý <Eý <Eý <Eý <appears on the display and CWnCWnCWnCWn orCCCC_d_d_d_d flashes on the left side of the dis-play.

To exit the monitor mode, press MAX/MIN for more than 2 seconds. CWnCWnCWnCWn orC_dC_dC_dC_d disappears.

Making Measurements

MEASURING DC VOLTAGE

WARNINGS:

• Never clamp a test lead to a hotwire (usually red, black, or blue inAC wiring circuits). If one lead isclamped to a hot wire and youtouch the meter’s other probe.you could receive an electricshock.

• The maximum input limit for DCvoltage measurement is 1000 VDC. To avoid electrical shock and

damage to the meter, never try tomeasure a DC voltage above1000 volts.

1. Set the function selector to°°°°C/°°°°F / V.

2. If necessary, press SELECT toselect DC voltage measurement.

3. If the meter is set to automaticrange control, the meter auto-matically moves to the range thatgives the best reading.

AUTO

20 Making Measurements

4. To set manual range control,press RANGE. disappears.Repeatedly press RANGE tochange the range.

5. Touch the probes to the circuityou want to test.

Notes:

• In the 400 V and 400mV ranges,the decimal point appears in thesame position (one place to theleft). To distinguish between thetwo ranges, mV appears in the400mV range and V appears inthe 400 V range.

• When the meter is set to the400mV range, Eý <Eý <Eý <Eý < continues toappear even if you remove anover-range input signal. This isnot a malfunction. To clear thedisplay, simply touch the testleads together or connect themto a circuit. Eý<Eý<Eý<Eý< disappears.

DISPLAYING TEMPERATUREYou can use an optional thermocou-ple module to measure temperaturewith your meter. The thermocouplemodule you use must output 1mV permeasured °C or °F. The meter candisplay temperatures up to 999°C or999° F.

WARNING: The thermocouple mod-ule has not been evaluated by Under-writers Laboratories. Do not use thethermocouple to measure objects

when the voltage is above 30 V RMSand 42.4 V peak or 60V DC.

1. Set the function selector to°°°°C/°°°°F / V.

2. Unplug both test leads from themeter, plug the thermocouple’scommon plug into –COM (com-mon) on the front of the meter,then plug the thermocouple’s +Vplug into + V.mA. ΩΩΩΩ.

3. Press SELECT once to selecttemperature measurement.

4. To select the temperature rangeyou want to display (°C or °F),repeatedly press RANGE until 9999or <<<< appears.

5. Touch the thermocouple’s sensorhead to the object you want totest.

MEASURING AC VOLTAGE

WARNINGS:

• Never clamp a test lead to a hotwire (usually red, black, or blue inAC wiring circuits). If one lead isclamped to a hot wire and youtouch the meter’s other probe,you could receive an electricshock.

• The maximum input limit for ACvoltage measurement is 750 VAC (RMS). To avoid electricalshock and damage to the meter,

AUTO


never try to measure an AC volt-age above 750 volts RMS.

1. Set the function selector to dBm /~ V.

2. Repeatedly press SELECT toselect the measurement unit youwant to use (dBm or volts).

Notes:

• 0 dBm is equal to the con-sumption power on a 600-ohmresistor with 0.775V voltagedrop.

• In dBm mode, relative mea-surement and monitor modesare disabled.

3. If the meter is set to automaticrange control, the meter auto-matically move to the range thatgives the best reading.

4. To set manual range control,press RANGE then change therange (if necessary) by repeat-edly pressing RANGE.

5. Touch the probes to the circuityou want to test.

Note: In the 400 V and 400mV rang-es, the decimal point appears in thesame position (one place to the left).To distinguish between the two rang-es, mV appears in the 400mV rangeand V appears in the 400 V range.

Measuring AC Voltage Riding on a DC Source Bias

WARNING: To avoid injury or dam-age to your meter, never try to mea-sure an AC voltage that is riding on aDC source bias where the peak ACvoltage exceeds 1000 V with respectto earth ground.

To measure AC voltage superim-posed on a DC voltage source biaswhile ignoring the DC voltage, followthe steps for measuring AC voltageunder “Measuring AC Voltage” onPage 20.

Measuring Three-Phase AC Voltage

Your multimeter is designed primarilyto measure household AC voltages. Ifyou want to measure 3-phase, line-to-line voltage, please note the follow-ing:

• Because of the dangers inherentin measuring three-phase circuit,we strongly recommend you donot use this meter for such appli-cations.

• The actual voltage can begreater than the circuit’s ratedline-to-ground voltage.

Most 3-phase power circuits are ratedby their line-to-line voltage. This volt-age is higher than the line (or phase)to ground voltage. To determine if aline-to-line 3-phase voltage exceedsthe rating of this meter, multiply the


rated line-to-ground voltage by 1.732(the square root of 3). For example, ifthe rated line-to-ground voltage is640 volts, the line-to-line voltage is640 × 1.732 = 1108 V AC.

WARNING: This voltage exceeds themeter’s rating. Therefore, you shouldnot connect the meter to this circuit orto any equipment connected to thecircuit. Doing so could present a dan-gerous shock hazard to you, andcould also damage the meter.

MEASURING DC/AC CURRENT

To measure AC or DC current, youmust break the circuit and connectthe test leads to two circuit connec-tion points. The connection must be inseries with the circuit under test.

WARNING: Do not apply voltage di-rectly across terminals. You mustconnect the meter in series with thecircuit.

Cautions:

• Never connect the test leadsacross a voltage source. Doingso can damage the meter or thecircuit under test. The maximuminput limit for AC/DC currentmeasurement is 10A.

• If you do not know the amount ofcurrent in the circuit you aremeasuring, always connect thered test lead to +10A MAX .

1. Rotate the function selectorto / µµµµA/A ýýýýfor 0.4/4mA and 4/10Aranges or / mA/A for 40/400mAand 4/10A ranges.

2. Press SELECT once to set themeter to measure AC current(∼∼∼∼ appears). Otherwise, repeat-edly press SELECT to set themeter to measure DC current(∼∼∼∼ disappears).

3. Remove the power from the cir-cuit under test and discharge allcapacitors.

4. Plug the black test lead into –COM and the red test lead intothe appropriate jack.

5. Connect the meter’s test leads inseries with the circuit.

6. Apply power and read the currentvalue. If the measurement is lessthan 400mA and the red test leadis connected to +10A MAX ,remove power from the circuit.

7. M ove t h e r e d t e s t l e a d t o+ V.mA. ΩΩΩΩ.

8. Rotate the function selectorto / µµµµA/A ýýýýor / mA/A depend-ing on the value you measured inStep 6.

9. Reapply power to the circuit.

If you are measuring DC current andthe current’s polarity is negative, –appears before the value.


Note: If your measurement exceedsthe currently selected range, EEEEý<ý <ý <ý < ap-pears until the measured voltage orcurrent is reduced to a value belowthe currently selected range.

MEASURING RESISTANCE

The resistance measuring circuit inyour meter compares the voltagegained through a known resistance(internal) with the voltage developedacross an unknown resistance.

WARNING: Be sure the circuit undertest has all power removed and anyassociated capacitors are fully dis-charged before you make a resis-tance measurement.

Caution: Your meter has a circuit toprotect the resistance range fromover-voltage. However, to avoid acci-dentally exceeding the protection cir-cuit’s rating and to ensure a correctmeasurement, never connect the testleads to a source of voltage while thefunction selector is set to .

1. Remove all power from the cir-cuit under test and discharge allcapacitors.

2. Rotate the function selector to.

Caution: Never connect the testleads to a source of voltage whilethe rotary function selector is setto .

3. If necessary, press SELECT untilΩΩΩΩ, KΩΩΩΩ, or MΩΩΩΩ appears to set themeter to measure resistance.

Note: With no resistance con-nected across the test leads(meaning resistance is infinite),EEEEý <ý <ý <ý < appears when you set themeter to measure resistance.This is normal.

4. Touch the test leads across theresistor you want to measure, orremove one of the leads of thecomponent you want to measurefrom its circuit and touch the testleads across the resistor. If themeter is set to automatic rangecontrol, it automatically moves tothe proper range.

If you set the meter to use manualrange, repeatedly press RANGE to setmanual-range control and change therange (if necessary).

Notes:

• If you are measuring resistanceof about 1MΩ or more, the dis-play might take a few seconds tostabilize. This is normal.

• As with the voltage range, usethe measuring units that appearon the display to determine thecurrent resistance range. If onlyΩΩΩΩ appears, the values of themeasurements are in ohms. If AAAAand ΩΩΩΩ appear, the meter is mea-suring kilohms (1 kilohm =1000Ω). If CCCC and ΩΩΩΩ appear, themeter is measuring megohms (1megohm = 1,000,000 Ω).


Hint: If you want to accurately mea-sure a very small resistance, you canview the resistance of the meter’s testleads, then subtract that resistancefrom the measured value. To mea-sure the resistance of the test leads,simply touch the ends of the leads to-gether. The meter selects the 400Ωscale and displays the resistance ofthe test leads. You can also use themeter’s relative function to do this(see “Using Relative Measurement”on Page 17).

MEASURING CAPACITANCE

The capacitance measuring circuit inyour meter charges a connected ca-pacitor to a specific voltage level,then discharges the capacitor to alower voltage. The meter measuresthe amount of time takes to dischargethe capacitor.

Caution: Do not connect the testleads to a source of voltage with thefunction selector set to . Thiscould damage the meter or the circuitbeing tested.


2. Rotate the function selector to.

3. Set the meter to measure capaci-tance by pressing SELECT. nF orµµµµF appears. Then repeatedlypress RANGE if necessary to

manually select the range youwant.

4. Attach the red test lead to thepositive side of the capacitor andattach the black test lead to thenegative side of the capacitor. Orremove one of the leads of thecapacitor you want to measurefrom its circuit and connect thetest leads to the capacitor. Themeasured value appears.

Note: Electrolytic capacitorshave positive and negative termi-nals. Be sure to connect eachtest lead to the correct terminal tomatch the polarity of thesecapacitors.

Notes:

• The voltage applied across elec-trolytic capacitors will affect theirmeasured values. That is, ameasurement taken with a lowvoltage will be different and lowerthan that taken with a voltagethat approaches the capacitor’svoltage rating. Since this metercannot use high voltage to setthe electrolyte, it cannot measurethe absolute value of capaci-tance.

• Low-value capacitors mightmatch or be close to the actualinput capacitance of your meter.To measure low capacitance val-ues, use the meter’s relative fea-ture to adjust the meter for themeter’s own capacitance (see


“Using Relative Measurement”on Page 17).

• The accuracy of capacitancemeasurement depends on themeasurement method and alsodiffers with different types ofcapacitors. The meter’s mea-surement is for reference only.

CHECKING CONTINUITY

Caution: Do not connect the testleads to a source of voltage with theselector set to /. This could dam-age the meter or circuit being tested.

You can use the meter to check forshorted or open electrical circuits.


2. Rotate the function selector to /.

3. To select the continuity function,press SELECT until ýýýýappears atthe top of the display.

4. Touch the test leads across thecircuit you want to measure. Shrt

appears and the buzzer sounds ifthe circuit resistance is less thanabout 50 ohms (meaning the cir-cuit is continuous or shorted).Open appears and the meter’sbuzzer does not sound if the cir-cuit resistance is greater thanabout 50 ohms (meaning the cir-cuit is not continuous).

CHECKING DIODES

This procedure lets you check diodes,transistors, and other semiconductorsfor opens, shorts, and normal opera-tion. It also lets you determine the for-ward voltage and polarity for diodes.(This is handy when you need tomatch a diode.) You can also checkLEDs using this procedure.

Caution: Do not connect the testleads to a source of voltage with thefunction selector set to /. Thiscould damage the meter or the circuitbeing tested.

Note: You can use the meter’s hFEfeature to quickly measure the gain ofsmall-signal, bipolar transistors. See“Measuring hFE” on Page 29 for moreinformation.


2. Rotate the function selector to /.

3. To select the diode function,press SELECT once. appearson the display.

4. Connect the test leads to thedevice you want to check, orremove one of the leads of thecomponent you want to measurefrom its circuit and connect thetest leads to the component.Note the first reading.


5. Reverse the test leads and notethe second reading.

If one reading shows a value and theother is overrange (EEEEý <ý <ý <ý < appears) thedevice is good. If EEEEý<ý<ý<ý< appears duringboth readings, the device is open. Ifboth values are very small or zero,the device is shorted.

Notes:

• When you test a silicon-typesemiconductor, the values mightvary depending on the tempera-ture.

• The values that appear during adiode check show the actual for-ward voltage (2.0V max). If thevoltage exceeds 2.0V, EEEEý <ý <ý <ý <appears. The meter cannotcheck this diode.

Checking Diode Polarity

Many diodes have a stripe or mark onone side. The marked side of the di-ode indicates the diode’s cathode ornegative (–) side. The other side isthe anode or positive (+) side.

If a diode is not marked, you can useyour meter to check the diode’s polar-ity. As you follow the steps under“Checking Diodes” on Page 25, con-nect the red test lead to one side,connect the black test lead to the oth-er side, then measure and note thevoltage. Then reverse the test leadsand measure and note the secondreading. The side of the diode wherethe meter shows a higher voltage us-

ing the red test lead is the anode (+)side. The side of the diode where themeter shows Eý <ýEý <ýEý <ýEý <ý using the red testlead is the cathode (–) side.

MEASURING LOGICCaution: Do not apply more than 5VDC between terminals. This coulddamage the meter or the circuit beingtested.

1. Rotate the function selector toLOGIC/Hz.

2. To select the logic function, pressSELECT once. BBBBEEEE appears.

3. Connect the test leads to thedevice you want to check. BBBBEEEEappears if the logic is low (thevoltage is lower than 1.0V). >_>_>_>_appears if the logic is high (thevoltage is higher than 2.0V) Theactual voltage appears if thelogic is between 1 and 2 V.

MEASURING FREQUENCY/DUTY CYCLE/PULSE WIDTHThe meter can measure frequencyfrom 10 Hz to 4 MHz and duty cycleand pulse width with a signal frequen-cy from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The ampli-tude of a signal is not larger than 10Vpeak.

1. Rotate the function selector toLOGIC/Hz.


2. To select the frequency function,press SELECT until Hz, KHz, orMHz appears.

Otherwise, to select the dutycycle or pulse width function,repeatedly press Hz/DUTY/WIDTHuntil åååå appears (to select dutycycle) or until µµµµS or mS appears(to select pulse width)

3. If you are measuring frequency,press RANGE if necessary toselect manual range then repeat-edly press RANGE until the rangeyou want appears.

4. Connect the black test probe to aground reference for the signal,and connect the red test probe tothe signal source.

Measuring AC VoltageFrequency

The meter can measure the frequen-cy of an AC voltage, with or without aDC source bias.

Warning: To avoid electrical shockand damage to the meter, never try tomeasure a frequency of more than 1kHz between AC 40 volts RMS and750 volts RMS.

1. If you are measuring AC voltagewith a DC source bias, set thefunction selector to dBm / ~ V.Otherwise, set the function selec-tor to °°°°C/°°°°F / V.

Note: If the function selector isset to dBm / ~ V and you want to

set the meter for maximum sen-sitivity when measuring a newsignal, press SELECT to selectthe ACV function then press Hz/DUTY/WIDTH to select the fre-quency function.

2. To select the frequency function,repeatedly press Hz/DUTY/WIDTHuntil Hz, kHz, or MHz appears.

3. If necessary, press RANGE toselect manual range, thenrepeatedly press RANGE until thedesired range appears.

Note: To change back to ACVmeasurement, press SELECTonce then repeatedly pressSELECT to select the ACV dis-play mode (dBm or volts).

4. To select the duty cycle or pulsewidth function, repeatedly pressHz/DUTY/WIDTH until åååå appears(to select duty cycle) or until µµµµSor mS appears (to select pulsewidth).

5. If åååå, µµµµS, or mS appears and youwant to select the frequencyfunction again, repeatedly pressHz/DUTY/WIDTH until Hz, kHz, orMHz appears.

6. Connect the test leads to thedevice you want to check.

28 Using the Meter With a Computer

Measuring AC CurrentFrequency

Note: If the meter is set to measurecurrent, it cannot measure the fre-quency of a signal with DC bias.

1. Rotate the function selectorto / µµµµA/A ýýýý for 0.4/4mA and 4/10A ranges or / mA/A for 40/400mA and 4/10A ranges.

2. To select the frequency function,press Hz/DUTY/WIDTH once.

3. If necessary, press RANGE toselect the manual range, thenrepeatedly press RANGE until thedesired range appears.

Note: Press SELECT twice to setthe meter back to the AC A mea-surement function.

4. To select the duty cycle or pulsewidth function, repeatedly pressHz/DUTY/WIDTH until åååå appears(to select duty cycle) or until µµµµSor mS appears (to select pulsewidth).

5. If åååå, µµµµS, or mS appears and youwant to select the frequencyfunction again, repeatedly pressHz/DUTY/WIDTH until Hz, kHz, orMHz appears.

6. Connect the test leads to thedevice you want to check inseries.

MEASURING hFEYou can use the meter to measurethe DC gain of small-signal, bipolartransistors in the hFE range of 1000.

Caution: To avoid damaging themeter, do not try to check a transistorif you do not know its type and pinout.

1. Set the function selector to hFE.

2. Unplug both test leads from themeter, then slide down the guardon the front of the meter.

3. Insert the transistor you want tocheck into the hFE socket on thefront of the meter, matching thepinout of the transistor with thelabels on the socket. The transis-tor’s value appears.

Using the Meter With a ComputerYou can connect your meter to acomputer, letting you convenientlymonitor and record and log data overa long period of time. You can evenuse your meter to display oscillo-scope information on your computer!For example, you can record changes

in temperature in a refrigerator or volt-age changes in a circuit over a longperiod of time.

Use the supplied RS-232 cable toconnect the meter to your computerand the supplied software to display

29Using the Meter With a Computer

information recorded by the meter onyour computer.

INSTALLING THE METER’S SOFTWARE/HARDWARETo use your meter with your comput-er, you must install the supplied MeterView software on your computer, thenconnect the meter to the computer.

The Meter View software includes in-stallation files and a Help Guide. Thisguide provides more detailed informa-tion about the Meter View software'sfeatures. You can read the guidewhile Meter View is running, or print acopy directly to your printer. To readthe guide, click Start , Programs ,Meter View , then select Help .

Follow these steps to install the MeterView software on your computer.

1. Turn on your computer and startthe installed Windows operatingsystem (Windows 95, Windows98, Windows ME, or Windows2000).

2. Insert the software CD into yourCD-ROM drive. The CD startsautomatically.

Note: If the CD does not startautomatically, make sure the CD-ROM drive's door is completelyshut. If the CD still does not start,the auto run option on your com-puter might be turned off. If thishappens, click My Computer.

The window shows the availabledrives on your computer. Thendouble-click the icon for your CD-ROM drive and double-clicksetup.exe . The CD starts.

3. After you finish installing the soft-ware, restart your computer.

4. Connect one end of the suppliedRS-232 cable to the jack on topof the meter, then connect theother end to your computer’sserial port.

Note: The supplied cable fitsonly one way. Do not force it.

30 Care and Maintenance

CONFIGURING/USING THE METER AND SOFTWAREYou must configure your meter towork with the Meter View softwareand the software to work with yourmeter.

1. Make sure the meter is con-nected to your computer (see“Installing the Meter’s Software/Hardware” on Page 29).

2. On your computer, click Start ,Programs , then Meter View.The Meter View software starts.

3. On your meter, rotate the func-tion selector to any functionexcept OFF. Then hold downSELECT and RANGEtogether. appears on themeter’s display.

4. On your computer, select theCOM port where you connectedthe meter by pulling downOption then COM Port then

clicking COM1, COM2, COM3, orCOM4.

Note: If you select the wrongCOM port, an error messageappears. Repeat Step 4 to selectthe correct COM port.

5. On your computer, start theMeter View program by clickingthe Start linkage icon or pullingdown Run then clicking Start.The Meter View software starts.The display you see on the meteralso appears on your computer.

Note: The Meter View softwarestops runningýýýý if the connectionbetween the meter and the com-puter fails. If this happens, checkthe connection between themeter and the computer andmake sure still appearson the meter’s display. Thenrepeat Step 5 in this section.

6. Follow the steps listed in theMeter View software’s HelpGuide to configure and use thesoftware with the meter.

Care and MaintenanceKeep the meter dry; if it gets wet,wipe it dry immediately. Use andstore the meter only in normal tem-perature environments. Handle themeter carefully; do not drop it.

CLEANINGTo keep the meter looking new, occa-sionally wipe it with a cloth slightlydampened with water. Do not useharsh chemicals, cleaning solvents,or strong detergents to clean themeter.

RS232 RS232

31Care and Maintenance

WARNINGS:

• Do not let any water drip insidethe meter while cleaning it.

• Make sure that the meter is com-pletely dry before using it.

REPLACING THE FUSES

If the meter does not work, you mightneed to replace one or both of thefuses with the spare fuses we haveincluded with your meter. The sparefuses are inserted in a plastic holderinside the meter’s cabinet near theRS-232 connector on top of themeter.

The meter contains a 500mA, 250Vceramic fuse (Littelfuse 314.500) anda 12A, 250V ceramic fuse (Littelfuse314012).

Caution: Do not use a fuse brand orrating other than those specified here.Doing so might damage your meter.You can order the fuses through yourlocal RadioShack store.

1. If the meter is on, rotate the func-tion selector to OFF to turn it off.Then disconnect the test leads ifthey are connected.

WARNING: To avoid electricshock, you must disconnect thetest leads before you remove thebattery cover and back cover.

2. Use a Phillips screwdriver toloosen the battery cover’s screw,then lift off the battery cover.

3. Remove the battery.

4. Use a Phillips screwdriver toloosen the screws from the backcover and gently pull apart thecase.

5. To remove the fuse, gently pullthe red ribbon holding it. Thefuse pops out.

6. If the fuse is blown, discard it andsave the ribbon. Then removethe spare fuse from the plasticholder and insert it into the fuseholder through the loop of theattached ribbon.

7. Replace the back cover andsecure it with the screws.

8. Reinstall the battery (see “Install-ing a Battery” on Page 13), thenreplace the battery cover andsecure it with the screw.

WARNING: Do not operate yourmeter until the back cover is in placeand secured.

22-812AO0069ABA1

12A01Printed in China

RadioShack CorporationFort Worth, Texas 76102

Limited Ninety-Day WarrantyThis product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-ship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDEDHEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRAN-TIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PUR-POSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITEDWARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALLHAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR EN-TITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDI-RECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANYBREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RE-SULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, ORPROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or lim-itation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not ap-ply to you.In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShacksales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option,unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for partsand labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the pur-chase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, becomethe property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the perfor-mance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remain-der of the original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the productmade after the expiration of the warranty period.This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God,abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper in-stallation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b)any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consum-ables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurancecosts; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary fromstate to state.

RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102

We Service What We Sell 12/99

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